No Rest When It Comes to the Test

Jacqueline Leech

  

The day has finally come. Some of us just remembered about it, while others have been counting down to this moment for months. Even though some students chose to prepare, while others didn’t, preparation never seems to change the mental strain and pounding headache of this day. This event is truly never easy – physically, mentally, and emotionally.

While no one likes to be rated and compared to others, it is the very purpose of this thing called standardized testing, specifically the SAT. Although taking the SAT is stressful, it shouldn’t be overwhelming. The test is just a test, and in the end, doing your best is all you can do.

The truth is the SAT is cruel but necessary, and no one at school can avoid it. For high achievers, the pressure is tremendous. As I asked Grace Wan about her plans for Christmas break, she thoughtfully responded with a concerned look, “Oh…but that is like SAT grind time.”

I realized then, that she, among many other students, took the SAT very seriously, as they willing sacrifice precious days off school to study.

At this point, students taking this December SAT are also still squeezing in as much study time as possible. When I asked Suzanne Liew (12) about the SAT she exclaimed, “I’m dying!!”

Indeed, it might feel as if it is a death sentence for many students, but as quickly as the test comes, it also passes. Realistically, just as it is quite unlikely for a forty-six-year-old to reminisce about their score on the SAT, it is unlikely for a six-year-old to reminisce about spilling their milk on the kitchen table. It shouldn’t be made into a bigger deal than it is, and no one should put unnecessary pressure on themselves.

A test never defines a person or determines someone’s ultimate future. Just doing your best is enough, and yes, it is possible to do your best without chewing your fingernails off and stressing yourself silly. Choosing peace and clarity in the situation usually results in better scores in the end anyway.

As Audrey Shing (12) wisely noted, “The SAT doesn’t necessarily score you on your intellect but rather, on how much you can practice.”

Someone who is aiming for the best score possible is going to have to practice… a lot. The question is, is it worth it? Reasonably, people have different answers for this. This is because people have different goals for their future, so the importance of the SAT will vary between people.

Looking beyond the SAT, however, it is obvious that there is so much more to a person than how well they can do under pressure, or how skilled they are in a particular subject. The point of a career is, yes, to make money but also to do something you’re truly passionate about. Studying with the right goal in mind can make the journey to your career less stressful and more exciting and enjoyable.

Again, in the end, overthinking about the SAT actually hinders your ability to do your best. So, when it comes to taking the test, prepare if you are truly wanting a high score, but don’t let it overwhelm or define you.